Hello,
I have a large MP3 collection on my hard drive and I would like to have a backup copy on CDR. So, What's the best method for backing up all my MP3s to multiple CDRs? I'm curious what you would recommend as the best method for doing this. Any ideas or tips would be helpful.
--Thanks.
Full Version: Backing up MP3 collection
Depending on how many MP3's you have, you may want to consider backing them up onto DVD-R or an external hard disk.
QUOTE (EagleScout1998 @ Sep 15 2007, 13:52) 
Depending on how many MP3's you have, you may want to consider backing them up onto DVD-R or an external hard disk.
Well the main reason I wanted to use CDR was so that I would also be able to listen to the MP3 files on my portable MP3 player. Also, I don't have a DVD recorder (I wish I did).
I do not understand why you would need to use CD-R for a portable MP3 player. When you say "portable MP3 player," are you talking about a digital audio player (like the iPod) or a portable CD player that is able to read MP3-CD's? If it is the former, then it should not matter what medium you back up your MP3 files onto.
But if you insist on using CD-R, just load up your favorite burning program and burn away . . . keeping in mind that you want to burn the discs as "data" and not as "audio." And, depending on how many MP3's you have, you may need SEVERAL blank discs.
But if you insist on using CD-R, just load up your favorite burning program and burn away . . . keeping in mind that you want to burn the discs as "data" and not as "audio." And, depending on how many MP3's you have, you may need SEVERAL blank discs.
QUOTE (Cyberbeat @ Sep 15 2007, 14:37)
I have a large MP3 collection on my hard drive and I would like to have a backup copy on CDR.
QUOTE
... Well the main reason I wanted to use CDR was so that I would also be able to listen to the MP3 files on my portable MP3 player.
CD-R is a risky media for backup to begin with, because the discs degrade over time. Your intention to actually use these discs for playback will only increase the chance of failure. (1. because exposure to sunlight, temperature variations, etc., will accelerate the degradation; 2. Then there's the risk of physical damage due to handling -- scratches, etc.) Calling these discs a "backup" is really a stretch.
QUOTE (EagleScout1998 @ Sep 16 2007, 12:37)
I do not understand why you would need to use CD-R for a portable MP3 player. When you say "portable MP3 player," are you talking about a digital audio player (like the iPod) or a portable CD player that is able to read MP3-CD's? If it is the former, then it should not matter what medium you back up your MP3 files onto.
But if you insist on using CD-R, just load up your favorite burning program and burn away . . . keeping in mind that you want to burn the discs as "data" and not as "audio." And, depending on how many MP3's you have, you may need SEVERAL blank discs.
But if you insist on using CD-R, just load up your favorite burning program and burn away . . . keeping in mind that you want to burn the discs as "data" and not as "audio." And, depending on how many MP3's you have, you may need SEVERAL blank discs.
Sorry, I should have clarified this more. The portable player I referred to can play data discs containing MP3 files.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I realize what a bad idea it is.
QUOTE (Cosmo @ Sep 16 2007, 12:44)
QUOTE (Cyberbeat @ Sep 15 2007, 14:37)
I have a large MP3 collection on my hard drive and I would like to have a backup copy on CDR.
QUOTE
... Well the main reason I wanted to use CDR was so that I would also be able to listen to the MP3 files on my portable MP3 player.
CD-R is a risky media for backup to begin with, because the discs degrade over time. Your intention to actually use these discs for playback will only increase the chance of failure. (1. because exposure to sunlight, temperature variations, etc., will accelerate the degradation; 2. Then there's the risk of physical damage due to handling -- scratches, etc.) Calling these discs a "backup" is really a stretch.
Thanks for your response. You're right, I'll probably just end up with a big unorganized and unmanageable mess especially because I have so many MP3s to begin with. I'll probably end up using an external hard drive for a backup and just use the CDRs for mix Cds, etc.
QUOTE (Cyberbeat @ Sep 16 2007, 15:54)
Thanks for your response. You're right, I'll probably just end up with a big unorganized and unmanageable mess especially because I have so many MP3s to begin with. I'll probably end up using an external hard drive for a backup and just use the CDRs for mix Cds, etc.
Storage on a hard drive doesn't have to be unorganized and unmanageable. I have over 50,000 mp3 files organized nicely with folders by artist/album. Several different software programs will handle this for you once you have your tags correct, including foobar2k, mp3tag, itunes, etc. I back these files up to several USB harddrives and store at different locations.
QUOTE (Cyberbeat @ Sep 16 2007, 16:54)
I'll probably end up using an external hard drive for a backup and just use the CDRs for mix Cds, etc.
Thats a far better plan.
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